Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Since I have been making yogurt, soy milk, sprouts, homemade microwave popcorn and cornbread, I feel like I am well on my way to being more frugal.I’ve noticed that the price of toilet paper keeps climbing. I am determined to save money on this.

I don’t mean to be gross, and I certainly do not want any inappropriate responses, but I’d like some money-saving ideas in this area. Buying in bulk is the best I have been able to do.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

I walk nearly every day for about an hour. On the days when it is just too wet, cold, icy or windy, we walk at the mall. In its heyday, this particular mall was a vital part of downtown; today it houses mainly offices and a couple of shops with few customers.

The mall culture is rather interesting. There seem to be some regulars. The shaggy looking homeless guy sleeps with his bedroll near the entrance. Our Congressman walks with assorted constituents and assistants. We gaze into the window of the fitness center and view the same sweaty folks huffing and puffing on their treadmills.

Let’s hope the weather stays nice; I don’t want to become part of the mall culture.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Today is my anniversary. These past twenty-five years have been glorious.

Coincidentally, this is the anniversary of finding new relatives. Through a genealogical search, I found a branch of the family we knew nothing about. Over the year, we have gotten together several times and enjoy the closeness that has evolved.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Yesterday was a perfect day. As I sat at the computer finishing an article, I spotted the city arborists out the window. Since I heat my house with wood, and scavenge for free firewood, this is a very good sighting. Well the short version of the story is that I spent the day helping them cut an enormous tree and hauled it home on a small cart, one limb at a time.

So, I have a couple of dilemmas here:

Firewood dries faster when split, but splits easier when dried.

And does it stack tighter whole or when split?

What to do first in the yard to get ready for next winter? Your recommendations?

Saturday, March 21, 2009

A study just came out which made this claim. Do the results of this study surprise anyone? People with asthma often tend to be around smokers; people who watch TV have less time to exercise, thus being less healthy in general.

Friday, March 20, 2009

I had never heard of Millard Kaufman, but this creator of the Mr. Magoo, just died. I am not familiar with other work that he did beyond the Magoo series. Though it has never been okay to poke fun of blind people, or even those of us who are nearsighted, I was a big fan of Mr. Magoo.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Disk jockey, referee, nurse. I did it all as I helped with grade school PE yesterday. The activity was roller skating. Oh my goodness, it is a miracle that no one, myself included, was injured. But, the kids had a blast.

Monday, March 16, 2009

This past week I helped at school with ISAT testing. The Illinois State Achievement Tests are a real big deal around here. They determine of a school is making AYP (annual yearly progress), with the goal of No Child Left Behind.

Educators typically do not like the testing as they feel they must teach to the test. This can zap the creativity of an inventive teacher; not to mention that it swallows up valuable teaching time.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Today is Day 3 of Lincolnfest 2009. Thursday night was the opening gala with some very yummy good and wine and the Lincoln Trio. I came home with one of their CDs. Last night we saw the 1939 Henry Fonda film, Young Mr. Lincoln.

Friday, March 13, 2009

I like to keep my blogging light & humorous, but seeing so much hype lately about colonoscopy screenings made me feel obligated to write a serious blog today.

I'm a big baby about medical stuff, even blood tests, and TB tests. I have a long history of fainting when I get nervous at the doctor's lab. It took me a few years to get up the courage to have a colonoscopy.

It was NOT a big deal. Really!!! The results were fine. And the good news is that it will be many years until I need another one.

Treat yourself to peace of mind. It is definitely worth it. Trust me on this.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Monday, March 9, 2009

I was excited to be going to the Klezmer Concert at the Center for the Performing Arts on campus. When we got to the underground parking lot, the attendant informed us (and the other thousand or so people), that there was no power. Thus the concert was cancelled.

Yesterday was very very windy. Branches were knocked down causing massive power outages. The good news is that our neighborhood did not lose power. The other good news is that there will be more fallen branches around town to use as firewood.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

This weekend was the Official Unofficial St Patrick’s Day celebration. College students converge to campus bars and parties wearing green, getting inebriated and acting like fools.When did St. Pat’s day get to be such a big deal? Growing up in Chicago, I don’t remember St. Pat’s celebrations.

Even as a college student, I wouldn’t have found any joy in either drinking or partying.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Tonight is the night to turn your clocks ahead one hour. I've never been a big fan of daylight savings time. In our 24/7 world, it shouldn't really matter which hours are light, there are still the same number of hours. Who are we fooling?

What do you think of daylight savings time? Is it a concept whose time has gone?

Friday, March 6, 2009

We have had spring-like weather these past few days. How good it felt to dig in the garden in preparation for planting. It's a bit too early to plant, but I already have my seeds: five varieties of lettuce, two types of spinach, Swiss chard, and kale. I love my daily salad of greens and sprouts from my kitchen.The greens from the grocery during the winter months simply fall short. In May, I will plant tomatoes and broccoli.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Last night we went to Cirque Eloize. I really didn't know what to expect, but this form of entertainment part circus, part theatre, part dance, was totally enjoyable. It was wonderful to see so many young children enjoying themselves at the center for performing arts.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

I’m ready to come out of the closet (or should I say cupboard?). Only a few people know my little secret; I often eat sardines at breakfast. Why do friends turn up their nose at this minor dietary quirk? How are breakfast sardines any different than eating sausage or ham at breakfast? These little fishies are loaded with calcium and protein. They may in fact replace eggs as the perfect breakfast food.

I’m thinking of talking to the Big Mac CEO and see if Sardines McMuffin might excite young palettes.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

A & D Ointment no longer contains either Vitamin A or Vitamin D. Two by fours measure less than 2 x 4. The TV show 60 Minutesdoesn’t provide 60 minutes of programming. Cheesecloth is not used for making cheese. Clocks are mostly digital; what does clockwise mean?

Sunday, March 1, 2009

The 26th annual University of Illinois Insect Fear Film Festival last night was a blast! The petting zoo was especially interesting. The entomology department does an extraordinary job with this event, And the children's insect drawing contest was cool. Some great bug artists in our midst. Nice to see so many children at the fest.